Handlooms are the new cool, and designer Anavila Mishra believes the interest young designers have shown in the looms is responsible for making it the biggest fashion trend in the country.
The designer, who got inspired to make handloom the base of her brand after a short meeting with Panja dhurrie weavers, says the way young labels have modernised the concept of wearing handloom has brought Indian textiles in mainstream.
In an interview with PTI, Anavila says, "When a young designer joins the industry and starts working with handlooms in a contemporary way, it makes a lot of difference. The credit for sure goes to them for reviving the looms. Earlier there was fatigue with handloom, young girls didn't want to wear it, but now it has become the definition of comfort clothing."
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The designer adds, "The fact that Indian labels are now owning their textiles and taking it to international market makes me really happy."
From creating looms with artisans to working on the designs, Anavila has closely observed the textiles and insists that young minds should not join the movement just because it is popular.
"Young designers should not work with handloom only because there is a lot of buzz about it. It is important to understand the whole process and then make a difference to it. If someone is able to do that then even if it is a small line, it will surely become popular."
Anavila is known for her comfortable linen sarees, which are often sported by several Bollywood celebrities, and the designer says her aim has always been to make something which is easy to wear and low maintenance.
"Comfort is the most luxurious thing for me. If you are wearing pure and organic material your body automatically starts feeling more comfortable. The USP of the brand is comfort and it will always be there in my range."
The designer showcased her collection last night at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2017.
Titled "Blur", the collection is Anavila's effort to shift her focus from looms to designs.
"With this collection I have taken a jump forward from what we are known for, the handloom textile and sarees. We have tried to focus more on design and forms. We have done a lot of silhouettes which are ready to wear plus sarees which are more international," she says.
The collection includes a wide range of Anavila's signature sarees, but in a whole new colour palette having shades of black, wine, indigo and brown.
The line also has a varied range of trench coats, jackets, pleated trousers and trouser suits. Delicate floral patchwork, khatwa and hand-blockprinting are used to give an extra feminine touch.
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